According to a new study from Karolinska Institute published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, vitamin C and other antioxidants stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in lung cancer tumors. This study was done on mice. The team of researchers has studied mice with a murine-specific form of lung cancer. The mice had been implanted with human lung cancer. Then, the mice water was supplemented with vitamin C, Vitamin E and n-acetylcysteine. These were given at increasing doses which led to increased levels of antioxidants than necessary. Antioxidants when taken in overly high doses can be harmful.
There’s no need to fear antioxidants in normal food but most people don’t need additional amounts of them,” says Professor Bergö. “In fact, it can be harmful for cancer patients and people with an elevated cancer risk.”
Previously, Bergö reseaecg group has shown that antioxidants accelerated the growth of lung cancer by stablizing a protein called BACH1. When extra antioxidants are introducted in the diet, BACH1 gets activated as the level of free oxygen radicals drop. Now, the team has been able to show that the activation of BACH1 leads to formation of new blood vessels. The next step is to examine in detail how levels of oxygen and free radicals can regulate BACH1 protein. They are already looking ahead for further studies. They will also be doing similar studies in other cancer forms including breast, skin and kidney cancer.
The study was conducted in close collaboration with KI researchers and and researchers at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is certainly not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider got medical needs.
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